Currently, in the U.S., there are over 70 VIM
clinics now established in 23 states and this
program is the only national nonprofit dedicated to
assisting communities in developing free clinics.
According to Amy Hamlin, executive director of
Volunteers in Medicine, “No community can be truly
healthy if a significant portion of the population
is excluded from basic health care services.
Volunteers in Medicine is one solution to offering
health care to everyone, in the absence of a
national health policy. In addition, empowering
retired physicians to practice medicine without the
challenges of the red tape and insurance paperwork
is the practical approach offered by VIM.” A new
trend is beginning to emerge. This year alone, VIM
clinics are reporting a 30-50 percent increase in
demand for services due to the recent economic
downturn. Many of those served are self-employed and
in the middle class. Unfortunately, the
contributions and donations heavily relied upon for
clinic support have shown a decrease of 20 percent.

The value of continued caregiving throughout the
retirement years is priceless. Retired medical
personnel are a vital, untapped resource and may be
one of our nation’s best kept secrets. Retirement,
although eagerly sought after over a lifetime, can
bring about feelings of disappointment and a loss of
worth and purpose in everyday life. Many older
adults mistakenly retire “from” a career instead of
retiring “to” another purposeful activity beyond
golf, travel and card clubs. One of the losses
physicians may experience, for example, is their
self-image and identity as a healer. In addition,
work provides a place to “go” each day and a
significant loss can occur when there is suddenly no
need or expectation to be some place. Grief and loss
can occur, yet finding new identities and
productivity in volunteering can greatly ease these
feelings.

Retired medical professionals such as physicians,
nurses, dentists, social workers, dieticians, or
pharmacists and non-medical professionals such as
chaplains and clerical staff are often looking for
meaningful ways to continue serving, practicing
their skills and sharing their lifetime of
knowledge. Serving in a VIM clinic is one way to
fulfill these personal service goals. These
professionals have already spent a lifetime caring
for others and now have an opportunity to serve once
again, only in an enhanced volunteer capacity with a
flexible and less demanding schedule.